Mercedes-Benz is simultaneously working on a facelift for the GLA-Class and the next generation of compact cars. Unlike last time, when the B-Class took priority, the focus has been shifted to the all-new for 2018 A-Class hatchback.
Developed under the codename W177, this rival for the Audi A3 is currently undergoing road testing in Stuttgart. A spy video shows the design of the 5-door is starting to take shape.
Rumors suggest that the car will have slightly wider tracks, bringing more cornering stability to the table. The wheelbase has also been increased slightly, while the design of the rear overhang is different. Like the Infiniti Q30, the bumper sits very high off the ground, allowing us to see all of the rear suspension and exhaust systems.
Unlike the current generation, the 2018 A-Class will have long taillights that are connected by a trim piece at the top of the number plate and split down the middle by the opening of the hatch.
Don't be fooled by the shape of the hood. That's just camouflage installed to hide the fact that a much lower front end will be used. The sleek new lines of the A-Class are already beginning to come out through the narrowness of the prototype headlights.
There are things that that stay the same as well. For example, the crease down the side is the exact same shape, which is no bad thing. Some of the engine configurations will be carried over from the current model. However, there's likely to be an all-new and more powerful diesel.
Mercedes have always struggled with its smaller CDI units. First, they replaced the 1.8-liter with a de-tuned 2.1-liter, and now they are likely to switch the whole range to a brand new 2.0-liter unit.
Rumor has it that the company is working on a modular family, and the A 220d will get similar tech to the new E-Class. Wouldn't it be awesome to see 190 PS and 400 Nm in a Golf GTD rival? But the one everyone keeps talking about is the A45, which is said to have 400 horsepower. We haven't seen that one yet, but we'll let you know when we do.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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